You're Wearing That? Understanding Mothers and Daughters in Conversation

by Deborah Tannen

Why are the conversations between mothers and daughters so emotionally charged? Why are we more rattled by comments from Mom than Dad? According to Tannen, the conversations are different because mothers and daughters have a much more intimate relationship than other combination of family members or friends. Okay, that makes sense. I'll buy it. But that's it. The premise of this book can be summed up in two sentences or less. But she keeps going on and on and on. . . And she starts writing more about the dynamics of the relationship than the linguistics that reflect the dynamic.

Disappointing.

3/9/06